nosepass #299
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
nosepass
Generation III · #0299 — Compass Pokémon
Nosepass, known as the Compass Pokémon, is a Rock-type Pokémon from Generation III that has captivated trainers and scholars alike with its unique magnetic properties. With a National Pokédex number of #299, this distinctive creature stands 1.0 meter tall and weighs a compact 97.0 kilograms despite its dense, rocky composition. Its most defining characteristic is its bright red, triangular magnetic nose that perpetually points due north, a feature so reliable that travelers throughout the Pokémon world have historically used Nosepass as a natural compass. Despite possessing modest base stats totaling 375, with remarkably low HP and Speed at just 30 points each, Nosepass compensates with an exceptional Defense stat of 135, making it an exceptionally durable defensive Pokémon. Three distinct abilities define Nosepass's capabilities: Sturdy allows it to survive otherwise fatal attacks by leaving it with 1 HP, Magnet Pull traps Steel-type opponents, and its hidden ability Sand Force amplifies Rock, Ground, and Steel-type moves by 30% during sandstorms while granting immunity to sandstorm damage.
Base Stats
Height
1.0m
Weight
97.0kg
Category
Compass Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
gray
Shape
humanoid
Habitat
cave
Abilities
Prevents being KOed from full HP, leaving 1 HP instead. Protects against the one-hit KO moves regardless of HP.
Prevents steel opponents from fleeing or switching out.
Strengthens rock, ground, and steel moves to 1.3× their power during a sandstorm. Protects against sandstorm damage.
Nosepass Biology & Physical Characteristics
Nosepass is a blue, angular bipedal Pokémon whose appearance closely resembles the iconic Moai statues of Easter Island, creating a distinctive silhouette in the Pokémon world. Its body is constructed from a durable volcanic rock-like substance, featuring rigid arms and legs without visible joints and small circular holes dotting its undersides and the sides of its head. The Pokémon's most prominent feature is its brilliant red, triangular nose functioning as an electromagnetic magnet, flanked by dark mask-like markings that give the appearance of perpetually closed eyes. Its arms themselves resemble compass needles, reinforcing its thematic connection to navigation. According to Pokédex entries, Nosepass's body emits a powerful magnetism that intensifies during cold seasons, allowing it to feed on prey drawn toward it by magnetic attraction. When threatened, it raises its magnetism further to draw iron objects to its body as a defensive shield. Despite scientific observations revealing that Nosepass moves only slightly over 3/8 of an inch annually, it possesses an emergency capability to rapidly spin its body into the ground like a drill, demonstrating surprising agility when survival is at stake.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Nosepass Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Nosepass maintains a perfect 50/50 gender ratio between males and females, with no visual sexual dimorphism distinguishing the two sexes despite their equal breeding capability. As a member of the Mineral egg group, Nosepass can only breed with other Pokémon sharing this classification, limiting its breeding pool to fellow mineral-based creatures and restricting the diversity of offspring obtainable through conventional breeding methods. The species has a base friendship value of 70 prior to Generation VIII, indicating moderate tameness that rewards trainers who invest time in bonding with their Nosepass. Eggs take 20 cycles to hatch, roughly equivalent to 4,884–5,140 steps of travel, making Nosepass a moderately quick breeder compared to some legendary or pseudo-legendary species. The species experiences medium growth rate development, meaning Nosepass reaches maximum level within a balanced timeframe, neither accelerating quickly nor languishing slowly through the level progression system.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
hard-stone
type-enhancement
Held: Rock-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
hard-stone
type-enhancement
Held: Rock-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
hard-stone
type-enhancement
Held: Rock-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
hard-stone
type-enhancement
Held: Rock-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
hard-stone
type-enhancement
Held: Rock-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
hard-stone
type-enhancement
Held: Rock-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
hard-stone
type-enhancement
Held: Rock-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
hard-stone
type-enhancement
Held: Rock-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
hard-stone
type-enhancement
Held: Rock-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
hard-stone
type-enhancement
Held: Rock-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
hard-stone
type-enhancement
Held: Rock-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
hard-stone
type-enhancement
Held: Rock-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
hard-stone
type-enhancement
Held: Rock-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
magnet
type-enhancement
Held: Electric-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
magnet
type-enhancement
Held: Electric-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
magnet
type-enhancement
Held: Electric-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
magnet
type-enhancement
Held: Electric-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
TMs & HMs
tm01
gold silver
tm01
crystal
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
sword shield
tm04
gold silver
tm04
crystal
tm04
sword shield
tm05
sword shield
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
tm06
red blue
tm06
crystal
tm06
emerald
+648 more TMs/HMs
nosepass's Evolution Chain
Nosepass Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Nosepass evolves into Probopass, a Rock and Steel-type Pokémon representing a significant power upgrade in both offensive and defensive capabilities. The evolution mechanics for Nosepass have evolved themselves across generations; in Generation III through VII, Probopass was obtained by leveling Nosepass in a magnetic field area, requiring trainers to discover specific locations rich in electromagnetic energy. Beginning with Generation VIII, the evolution method shifted to expose Nosepass to a Thunder Stone, modernizing the requirement while maintaining thematic coherence with electricity and magnetism. This evolution transforms Nosepass from a purely defensive specialist into a more balanced threat, gaining the Steel typing that enhances its defensive profile considerably and grants additional resistances to numerous types. The resulting Probopass develops a more complex appearance with miniature Nosepass-like satellites orbiting its body, representing the amplification of its magnetic properties into a more sophisticated electromagnetic system.
Where to Find
granite cave
hoenn
sinnoh route 206
sinnoh
+1 more
mt coronet
sinnoh
+10 more
underground ruins
unova
+1 more
chargestone cave
unova
+3 more
clay tunnel
unova
+1 more
rocky mountain room
unova
+1 more
glacier room
unova
+1 more
iron room
unova
+1 more
akala outskirts
alola
+1 more
Nosepass Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Nosepass inhabits cave systems throughout various regions, where its magnetic properties prove advantageous in the mineral-rich underground environments. The most fascinating behavioral trait of Nosepass is its magnetic repulsion toward other members of its species; when two Nosepass meet in close proximity, their opposing magnetic polarities force them to keep their faces pointed away from each other, preventing them from facing one another directly. This magnetic incompatibility creates a solitary existence, as Nosepass naturally maintains distance from potential kin. The Pokémon's sedentary nature has long suggested complete immobility, but closer observation has revealed gradual movement over extended periods. Its magnetism serves dual purposes in survival and sustenance—it captures prey through magnetic attraction and simultaneously fashions defenses against natural predators, notably Metang, which actively hunt Nosepass. The creature's unwavering northward orientation has made it invaluable to human travelers seeking accurate directional guidance, establishing Nosepass as a biological compass trusted across generations.
Pokedex Entries
Generation III
NOSEPASS’s magnetic nose is always pointed to the north. If two of these POKéMON meet, they cannot turn their faces to each other when they are close because their magnetic noses repel one another.
NOSEPASS had been said to be completely unmoving, with its magnetic nose pointed due north. However, close observation has revealed that the POKéMON actually moves by a little over 3/8 of an inch every year.
Its body emits a powerful magnetism. It feeds on prey that is pulled in by the force. Its magnetism is stronger in cold seasons.
Its magnetic nose consistently faces north. Travelers check NOSEPASS to get their bearings.
Generation IV
Its nose is a magnet. As a result, this Pokémon always keeps its face pointing north.
When endangered, it may protect itself by raising its magnetism and drawing iron objects to its body.
If two of these meet, they cannot get too close because their noses repel each other.
Generation V
When endangered, it may protect itself by raising its magnetism and drawing iron objects to its body.
Its magnetic nose always faces north and draws iron objects to its body to protect itself better.
Generation VI
Its magnetic nose always faces north and draws iron objects to its body to protect itself better.
Its magnetic nose consistently faces north. Travelers check Nosepass to get their bearings.
Nosepass’s magnetic nose is always pointed to the north. If two of these Pokémon meet, they cannot turn their faces to each other when they are close because their magnetic noses repel one another.
Nosepass had been said to be completely unmoving, with its magnetic nose pointed due north. However, close observation has revealed that the Pokémon actually moves by a little over 3/8 of an inch every year.
Generation VII
The magnet in Nosepass’s nose provides an unerring compass, making it an excellent partner for Trainers going on a journey.
It moves less than an inch a year, but when it’s in a jam, it will spin and drill down into the ground in a split second.
It uses powerful magnetism to drag its prey toward it. It’s also been known to pull in metal, which it collects and uses to protect itself.
It hunts without twitching a muscle by pulling in its prey with powerful magnetism. But sometimes it pulls natural enemies in close.
Generation VIII
Once the people of Hisui discovered that its red nose always points north, they grew to rely on it greatly when traveling afar. The nose seems to work in a similar way to ancient compasses.
Nosepass Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Nosepass derives from the straightforward combination of 'nose' and 'compass,' directly referencing the Pokémon's most prominent feature and primary function within its design concept. In Japanese, it is simply called Nosepass (ノズパス), maintaining consistency across linguistic regions. The design philosophy draws heavily from Easter Island's famous Moai statues, angular stone heads known for their imposing stillness and mysterious presence, which perfectly captures Nosepass's immobile yet powerful aesthetic. The volcanic rock composition echoes this cultural reference while establishing geological authenticity for a Rock-type creature. The bright red triangular nose serves simultaneously as a functional magnetic pole and a visual focal point, creating immediate recognition while the dark mask-like eye markings reinforce its statue-like appearance. The circular holes distributed across its body suggest ventilation or magnetic discharge points, adding technical sophistication to what might otherwise be a simple rocky construct. Every design element reinforces the dual themes of immovable solidity and precise directional magnetism.
Learnable Moves
Nosepass can learn 84 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ancient power | rock | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| block | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| body press | fighting | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| dazzling gleam | fairy | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| defense curl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| discharge | electric | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dynamic punch | fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| earth power | ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| explosion | normal | Physical | 250 | 100 | 5 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fire punch | fire | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| flash cannon | steel | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| gravity | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| harden | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| head smash | rock | Physical | 150 | 80 | 5 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| heavy slam | steel | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| high horsepower | ground | Physical | 95 | 95 | 10 |
| ice punch | ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| iron defense | steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| lock on | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| magic coat | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| magnet rise | electric | Status | — | — | 10 |
| magnitude | ground | Physical | — | 100 | 30 |
| meteor beam | rock | Special | 120 | 90 | 10 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| power gem | rock | Special | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| rock blast | rock | Physical | 25 | 90 | 10 |
| rock polish | rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock throw | rock | Physical | 50 | 90 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| rollout | rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| sand tomb | ground | Physical | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| self destruct | normal | Physical | 200 | 100 | 5 |
| shock wave | electric | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| smack down | rock | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spark | electric | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| stealth rock | rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| steel beam | steel | Special | 140 | 95 | 5 |
| stomping tantrum | ground | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| stone edge | rock | Physical | 100 | 80 | 5 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thunder | electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| thunder punch | electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| thunder wave | electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| thunderbolt | electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| volt switch | electric | Special | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| wide guard | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| zap cannon | electric | Special | 120 | 50 | 5 |
Nosepass Competitive Battle Guide
Nosepass occupies a niche defensive role in competitive Pokémon battling, leveraging its exceptional 135 Defense stat to wall physical attackers despite its meager 30 base HP. The synergy between Sturdy and its defensive profile creates a formidable wall against physical threats, as trainers can rely on guaranteed survival from OHKO moves and full-HP tactics that would devastate less prepared opponents. Magnet Pull utility against Steel-types provides additional strategic value, trapping and potentially eliminating threats like Corviknight or Ferroseed that would otherwise sweep unprepared teams. The hidden ability Sand Force transforms Nosepass into a functional offensive threat during sandstorm-heavy team compositions, boosting its middling 45 Special Attack and Attack stats on Rock, Ground, and Steel-type moves by 30% while providing consistent immunity to sandstorm damage. However, its abysmal Speed stat of 30 necessitates either Trick Room support or significant EV investment to function effectively, and its low offenses remain problematic even with ability boosts. Competitive viability diminishes significantly in higher-tier play where faster, more offensive threats dominate the metagame, though dedicated players occasionally employ Nosepass in specialized defensive cores or experimental sand-based team structures.
Commonly Asked Questions About Nosepass
What type is Nosepass?
Nosepass is a rock type Pokemon.
What does Nosepass evolve into?
Nosepass evolves into probopass.
What are Nosepass's weaknesses?
Nosepass is weak to fighting, ground, steel, water and grass type moves.
Where can I find Nosepass?
Nosepass can be found in granite cave (hoenn), sinnoh route 206 (sinnoh) and mt coronet (sinnoh) and 7 other locations.
Nosepass Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Nosepass achieved notable prominence through its association with Roxanne, the Rock-type specialist Gym Leader of Hoenn's Rustboro City, where her Nosepass served as an iconic representation of her battling philosophy emphasizing defense and strategic positioning. The Pokémon's appearance as Roxanne's signature team member introduced millions of trainers to its unique mechanics and design philosophy, establishing it as a culturally significant Hoenn-region representative. In the Pokémon anime, Roxanne's Nosepass became fan-favorite through its participations in memorable gym battles and its gentle personality despite its imposing appearance, further endearing the species to viewers. The creature's thematic association with navigation and direction resonated with audiences, offering an alternative perspective on Pokémon utility beyond traditional combat applications. Nosepass's design influenced subsequent magnetic and compass-themed Pokémon, establishing a template for creatures centered on directional and electromagnetic properties. Its presence in merchandise, trading card games, and supplementary media has maintained consistent visibility within the broader Pokémon franchise, ensuring generational awareness among both casual and competitive communities.
Where to Find Nosepass in Every Pokémon Game
Nosepass originated in Generation III's Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, where it inhabited the volcanic caves and rocky terrain of the Hoenn region, obtaining the Hoenn Pokédex number #0060. Subsequent generations have featured Nosepass across numerous regional Pokédexes and locations, including Sinnoh's caves, Unova's mineral-rich areas, and Kalos's Coastal region. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, set in ancient Sinnoh, Nosepass appears as a wild encounter, providing historical context to its established cave habitats. The species maintains consistent availability across most modern Pokémon titles, though specific locations vary based on regional progression and encounter mechanics. Its easy capture rate of 255 makes Nosepass one of the simplest Pokémon to catch when encountered, often requiring minimal expenditure of Poké Balls or specialized capture techniques. Breeding compatibility through the Mineral egg group provides alternative acquisition routes for trainers unable to encounter Nosepass in the wild, though potential partners remain limited to fellow Mineral-type Pokémon. The species's introduction through early Hoenn progression ensures most players encountering Generation III content gain natural familiarity with Nosepass and its evolutionary line.